{"id":4004,"date":"2018-07-15T14:22:33","date_gmt":"2018-07-15T14:22:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/newellmediagroup.com\/wp\/?p=4004"},"modified":"2018-07-16T03:33:59","modified_gmt":"2018-07-16T03:33:59","slug":"roadkill-giants-drive-through-wasteful-tigers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newellmediagroup.com\/wp\/?p=4004","title":{"rendered":"Roadkill. Giants drive through wasteful Tigers"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Greater Western Sydney Giants are back in business with regards to their 2018 finals aspirations with a hard fought 2 point victory over league leaders Richmond. In a thrilling encounter the Giants fought tenaciously for the win with a stellar defensive and contested ball effort. Much of the heavy lifting was taken on by the Giants younger brigade in Tim Taranto, Sam Taylor and Zac Landon. The welcome returns of experienced Giants stars in Toby Greene and Adam Kennedy also made their mark. Dawson Simpson was superb in the ruck and continued his outstanding form winning the hit out count against Richmond’s Toby Nankervis 40-27. Richmond’s Daniel Rioli posted 3 goals, whilst Dustin Martin, Brandon Ellis<\/span> and Kane Lambert were the Tiger’s best players.<\/p>\n

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We will NEVER surrender. Photo: Jodie Newell<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

It was a pulsating encounter at the Showgrounds, with the Giants beginning well. Dawson Simpson matched it with Toby Nankervis in the ruck, with Dylan Shiel, Stephen Coniglio, Callan Ward and Lachie Whitfield benefiting around the clearances. Ryan Griffin in particular showed some handy form in the early stages of the game and his work built a solid basis for the Giants in terms of scoreboard pressure. Josh Kelly was also influential. He booted a superb snap goal at the City end to open the Giants account. Richmond took some time to settle into the game. It wasn’t until the eight minute mark of the term before the Tiger’s posted their first goal thanks to Daniel Rioli.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Harry Himmelburg propels the Giants forward. Photo: Jodie Newell<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Giants defender Adam Kennedy was playing his first senior game after as serious knee injury and was getting plenty of handy touches around the contest. He also used the ball well and was able to hit up with\u00a0Stephen Coniglio<\/span> who kicked a good goal from a set shot. The Giants defense also did a great job. Rhys Shaw, Phil Davis, Nick Haynes and Adam Tomlinson<\/span> all contributed. They tackled continuously, applied excellent pressure on Richmond and forced them into kicking and handling errors.<\/p>\n

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Richmond’s Bachar Houli played a serviceable game. He had 25 disposals and laid 5 tackles. Photo: Jodie Newell<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

The third quarter was one of the Giants best for the season. They kept the reigning premiers goalless and were able to score crucial goals when it mattered. Zac Langdon was absolute clutch in booting a goal towards the city end of the ground and Tim Taranto kicked truly, booting 2 vital goals. Phil Davis in defense minimized the effect Tiger spearhead Jack Riewoldt<\/span> was having up forward.<\/p>\n

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Alex Rance marks strongly in defense for Richmond. Photo: Jodie Newell<\/p><\/div>\n

The final quarter was gripping. Just when the Giants thought they had the match wrapped up, the Tigers kept coming. Richmond kicked 4 goals for the quarter, with Rioli and Nankervis scoring goals in under 5 minutes of football. GWS were settled by another clutch play this time from Toby Greene. Greene marked in a similar position to where Zac Langdon had kicked a set shot goal earlier to the Western end. With the pressure on and the game in the balance, Greene took careful aim, smoothly walked in and slotted the crucial goal that would ultimately seal the Giants victory. Richmond continued to play out the game, Jack Riewoldt snapped a goal with only seconds remaining, enough for the Tigers to possibly steal the game. The Giants resolve remained steady and were able to win the centre clearance, score a point and eat the clock up for a courageous 2 point win.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Toby Greene marks in the left pocket at the Western end of the Sydney Showgrounds. Photo: Jodie Newell <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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Measure, still, contemplate Photo: Jodie Newell <\/div> <\/div>
\"Greene
Greene looks up at the scoreboard & game clock and realizes what’s required. Photo: Jodie Newell <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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The target is locked, Greene moves in. Photo: Jodie Newell <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Greene
Greene drops the ball onto foot. Photo: Jodie Newell <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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The follow through from Greene is smooth. Photo: Jodie Newell <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Toby
Toby knows the kick is good. It’s a clutch goal under pressure. Photo: Jodie Newell <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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Cogs & co grin with approval at the Greene Goal. Photo: Jodie Newell <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

As the Giants left the field, former club ruckman and line coach Dean Brogan, was spotted by the Giants players as they headed up the race. Adam Tomlinson and Dylan Shiel shouted for “Broges” to join in on the mayhem which he did with a massive grin on his face. In the sheds, the “Never Surrender” club song was sung at it’s loudest, with Sam Taylor getting an absolute soaking via a steady shower of Gatorade. All of the players embraced in a bear hug of delight, understanding the significance of the win.<\/p>\n

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Absolute mayhem behind the scenes in the Giants sheds after the 2 pt win over the Tigers. Photos: Jodie Newell<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Post game Richmond coach Damien Hardwick didn’t seem too perturbed with the loss. He was disappointed at the wasteful shots on goal his team made and was at his jovial best when asked about the rather confusing umpiring decisions of the evening.\u00a0 Hardwick humorously stated that his team, may have to do some “ducking” practice during the week.The comment was aimed at a few contentious decisions made on head high tackles.<\/p>\n

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“Let’s Duck” Richmond coach in a lighter moment post-game. Photo: Jodie Newell<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Greater Western Sydney coach Leon Cameron was full of praise for his younger charges such as Sam Taylor, Zac Langdon and Tim Taranto. Cameron was also pleased with Dawson Simpson’s game and how the big man had responded after being well beaten the previous week by Eagles star in Nic Naitanui.<\/p>\n

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Impressed with the Giants younger players contributions Coach Leon Cameron. Photo: Jodie Newell<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

The celebrations and after match glow will quickly be forgotten for Greater Western Sydney\u00a0(7th, 9 wins, 6 losses, 1 draw)<\/strong> as it’s back to business with another must win, tough away game against Port Adelaide (5th, 11 wins, 5 losses)<\/strong>. The Power won’t be in any mood to give away four premiership points after a shock away loss to the struggling Fremantle. Richmond (1st, 12 wins, 4 losses)<\/strong> return home to face and in-from St-Kilda (15th, 4 wins, 11 losses, 1 draw)<\/strong><\/p>\n